With Guy Fawkes and Diwali just days apart in early November, the City of Cape Town has designated 11 public open spaces for the discharge of fireworks.
Members of the public who want to partake in the discharge of fireworks to mark Guy Fawkes and Diwali next month will have access to 11 sites designated for this purpose.
Guy Fawkes is on Monday November 5 and the Hindu Festival of Lights, Diwali, follows on Tuesday November 6 and Wednesday November 7.
The City reminds the public that the discharge of fireworks on these days will only be allowed at the following sites:
Athlone Stadium parking area (eastern side), Klipfontein Road, Athlone;
Wesfleur sports field, Reygersdal Drive, Atlantis;
Bishop Lavis sports field, Lavis Drive, Bishop Lavis;
Metropolitan sports grounds, Melkhout Street, Bonteheuwel;
Blue Downs sports field;
Delft Central sports grounds, Main Road, Delft;
Macassar Beach parking area, Macassar Road;
Swartklip sports complex, Swartklip Road, Mitchell’s Plain;
Sarepta sports complex;
Strandfontein Pavilion;
Tourism Centre, Athens Road, Table View beachfront.
All designated fireworks areas will be patrolled by City Law Enforcement and Metro Police as well as a fire inspector to ensure the safety of all concerned.
The discharge of fireworks will not be allowed after 11pm on Guy Fawkes and Diwali, with New Year’s Eve being the exception.
Residents are reminded of the following:
Only fireworks bought at an accredited shop may be discharged according to the instructions on the package
Fireworks may only be discharged at the designated sites and out of range of structures or vehicles
Children must be supervised at all times when around fireworks
Do not light fireworks inside any type of container
Never discharge fireworks while under the influence of intoxicating substances
The Community Fire Safety By-law prohibits the use of Chinese lanterns.
In terms of Section 30 of the Explosives Act of 1956, the use or detonation of any fireworks in any building and public thoroughfare is liable to a R200 fine; selling fireworks to a child or anyone under the age of 16 is liable to a R300 fine; and allowing a child or person under the age of 16 to handle fireworks without adult supervision is liable to a R300 fine.
“Children and animals are often the victims of fireworks-related injuries and this year I want to focus on reducing the number of injuries to these vulnerable groups during Guy Fawkes. I urge parents to keep a watchful eye over their children and to ensure that they are supervised at all times.
“In the meantime, pet owners should keep their pets indoors as far as possible as pets are left traumatised, particularly by the illegal discharge of fireworks in residential areas,” said the City’s mayoral committee member for safety and security; and social services, JP Smith.
“Just yesterday (Thursday October 17), Law Enforcement officers confiscated illegal fireworks at a shop in the Pelican Park Centre.
A fine of R1 500 was issued for selling fireworks without a permit and I’m sure they’ll confiscate more fireworks in the next few weeks.
“I want to remind the public once more to please be our eyes and ears and to blow the whistle on the illegal sale of fireworks,” said Mr Smith.
Members of the public with information relating to the illegal sale or use of fireworks should report this to the City’s public emergency call centre on 107 from a landline or 021 480 7700 from a cellphone; or to the South African Police Service on 10111.
